Commercial property owners across Wales are facing a crisis as high vacancy rates threaten their livelihoods. Many are struggling to avoid default by upgrading their spaces, converting them into apartments, or selling them altogether.
Industry professional Fred Cordova has sounded the alarm, warning that about a third of office buildings are in danger and may need to be torn down. Residential conversion has become a popular solution, but it may not be enough to prevent a collapse in the commercial market.
Record-high office vacancy rates could lead major cities into an “urban doom loop,” impacting property values and public services. To address the surplus of offices and shortage of housing, clever public policy is needed to help convert office space into housing.
Converting offices into apartments can be a costly endeavor due to zoning codes and construction expenses. To assist developers with these conversions, government subsidies and programs are being implemented.
Despite these efforts, Cordova predicts that one-third of all commercial buildings may not survive the downturn in office demand. The need for creative solutions and government support is more crucial than ever to prevent a widespread collapse in the commercial real estate market. Stay tuned to Insider Wales Sport for further updates on this developing situation.
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